Strengthening School Meal Systems

A Collaborative Study Visit Between Gothenburg and Varna 

In early November 2024, Gothenburg, Sweden, and Varna, Bulgaria, came together for a study visit aimed at exchanging best practices and building partnerships around school meal systems. The visit, part of the Healthy Wave project, provided an opportunity to explore innovative approaches to school nutrition and sustainability, with Gothenburg offering a model for the future. 

Day 1: Discovering Gothenburg’s Progressive Approach 

The visit began with a tour of a local preschool, where participants observed young children actively involved in food preparation. This hands-on approach not only emphasized the importance of early education on healthy eating but also highlighted the flexibility of Gothenburg’s school meal system, where chefs have more freedom to experiment with menus and ingredients compared to the more rigid standards in Bulgaria. 

Varna shared its challenges, including the lack of specialized kitchens, limited staff training, and high costs. This exchange laid the foundation for collaboration and mutual learning. 

Lunch at Sannaskolan high school showcased a school canteen where meals were healthy, varied, and flavorful. A discussion followed on Gothenburg’s innovative food waste reduction programs, which form part of the city’s sustainable approach to school meals. Participants also gained insight into the processes behind menu planning and the coordination between school administrations. 

School lunch

A workshop led by Rikolto explored the needs and impacts of healthy school lunches, creating a causal loop diagram that will inform the project’s ongoing research and development. 

Day 2: Deepening Insights and Action Planning 

The second day of the visit took participants to Sandklevsskolan, where they attended a student Food Council meeting. This biannual event allows students to discuss menu choices with chefs, underscoring the importance of involving students in shaping their meals. Notably, unlike Varna, Gothenburg schools don’t serve regular desserts, offering them only on special occasions or as rewards.  

Gothenburg’s food waste reduction program was another highlight, with a competitive element that encourages students to take responsibility for their food consumption. The effectiveness of such programs provided a valuable lesson for Varna. 

A workshop on the WSFA (Well-Structured Food Assessment) framework helped both cities assess their school meal systems. This tool will be added to the Healthy Wave toolbox to assist with future improvements. 

Procurement practices also featured in discussions, with a focus on how efficient purchasing can support the delivery of healthier, more sustainable meals. Gothenburg’s training programs for chefs and meal assistants stood out as a key strategy for maintaining high food quality standards. For Varna, this sparked ideas for incorporating trainees from the city’s Professional School for Public Nutrition into local school canteens, an approach that could help improve both the professional development and efficiency of school meals. 

The day ended with a focused workshop for Varna, where participants began developing their action plan for improving school meals. This session marked the first step in Varna’s long-term strategy for better school nutrition, with Gothenburg offering valuable feedback. 

Conclusion: A Strong Foundation for Collaboration 

The Healthy Wave study visit was an invaluable experience for both Gothenburg and Varna. It not only provided practical insights into improving school meal systems but also launched a collaborative partnership between the two cities. Through shared experiences and expert guidance, Varna began developing a concrete action plan for better school nutrition. 

This visit laid the groundwork for a continued exchange of ideas and practices, ensuring a sustainable future for school meal systems in both cities. It marked the beginning of a lasting collaboration, with Gothenburg’s expertise serving as a valuable resource for Varna’s ongoing efforts to improve school meals and sustainability.